The day for our vacation had finally come. Prince Shiro would be arriving here in our Manor using the carriage that the Emperor specifically prepared for us. All of my stuff was ready when he arrived. The servants loaded them all up on the back of the carriage and Prince Shiro helped me to get inside. We didn't say anything to each other when he arrived. I just got inside the carriage, waited until everything was loaded up and we finally were on our way to our estate. I looked over at Prince Shiro and he was just being quiet. His eyes were close and he just seemed to be peacefully enjoying the ride. I, on the other hand, have a lot of things on my mind. I don't even know where to begin. 

During our stay at the estate, Prince Shiro and I have grown closer to each other. We spent most of our time talking about the things we both had in common. It turns out we have a lot in common and I'm happy that I was able to get to know him more. I am engaged to him so it makes sense that I want to know who he truly is. However, we weren't here just to kindle the fire of love. We're here to plan ahead. 

I asked all of the servants when the last time they saw my father and they told me that they all saw him leave for court this morning. He never came back after that. Usually, he would come home before me but this time he's not even here yet. Could there be something wrong? I started overthinking about my father's whereabouts. Could it be that something happened to him? If so, who would target him and why? Could it have something to do with the Royal family? All of these thoughts ran amok in my head. I couldn't sit still and I paced the room. "My lady, please calm down." The servants tried to calm me down but it wasn't working. I needed to know if the bad feeling I have in the pit of my stomach is related to my father. Although he's not my real father, I've treated him as if he was my real father. Just when I was starting to fully panic, there was loud banging on our gate. I came out with the servants and some guards. I asked them to open the gate and there I saw my fathe

My father has been recovering nicely. As planned, Prince Shiro and I spread the rumors that my father was robbed on his way home from his duties and he got injured because of this. We made sure that the whole capital knew of what happened to my father. No one else apart from close family servants and Prince Shiro of what truly happened to my father. We did this to try and sound out the real culprits. They were after something and I need to find out what it was. 

The following day, I decided to meet with the First Prince. I needed more information about him and I needed to know what he knew. It was risky but as for now, this is the only way I could investigate without having to sneak around. I didn't inform him of my visit but I know that the First Prince will be delighted to find out that I am willingly coming to him. When I arrived at the Palace, one fo the servants offered to take me to the First Prince's room but I declined. I told them that I was familiar with the Palace and I know where I'm going. To be honest, I wasn't as familiar with the Palace as I thought I was. I only said that so the servants wouldn't follow me around. Maybe I could pass by the Emperor's study and see where the Empress hides the incense sticks she uses to poison him. As I was walking, I noticed that I was in a familiar part of the Palace. This was on the way to the First prince's room. There were no servants around but I could hear something in the d